Our morning routines have changed a lot over the years. We’ve gone through some very interesting trends, but luckily we’ve settled on a few trusty items that will never go out of style. Just like how we always reach for those boyfriend jeans that are just the right amount of worn in, our drugstore makeup is never more than an arm’s length away.

Drugstore beauty products have been a staple in our beauty regimens before we even knew what a beauty regimen was. For the majority of us, our first lip glosses, eyeliners, mascaras, and concealers were all purchased at the local drugstore.

Sure, we had a few mishaps along the way. Like the time we bought the wrong shade of foundation thanks to the drugstore lights, and when we bought shampoo based purely on what brand had the coolest commercial. But, we never soured from our local drugstore. Where else could you learn that you’re actually allergic to cream hair-removal products, and that the semi-permanent box of hair color you bought on a whim would turn out to be a bit too permanent?

We’ve grown up on drugstore beauty and through all the mistakes and learning processes, we’ve found the best products to suit our needs. Now, as adult millennial women, we’re proud that some of these items can still be found in our makeup drawers today. Expensive, designer products can be great, but time and time again we find ourselves going back to the trusty items found in the aisles of CVS or Walgreens.

These budget-friendly beauty buys are mini gold mines and hold up just as well as their pricier counterparts. We are firm believers that price isn’t a fair indicator of value, so you’ll never see us picking something up just because of its lavish cult appeal.

It may be hard to believe, but there are quite a few R29 staffers and professional makeup artists who will routinely reach for drugstore mascaras for longer, sexier lashes versus choosing the expensive stuff. And, when makeup-remover wipes or fake eyelashes are on the table, don’t even get us started. It’s drugstore beauty all the way. We’ve even gotten the chance to talk with celebrities to see what has them darting into the corner drugstore and sidestepping big-name beauty supply chains.

If you need any more convincing, just check out our lineups of the hottest buys to find out what’s new, what’s out, and what’s best for you. Go on, get shopping!